Sunao Katabuchi, the acclaimed director of “In This Corner of the World,” has released a new pilot video for his upcoming anime film, “The Mourning Children: Nagiko and the Girls Wearing Tsurubami Black”. The pilot offers a tantalizing glimpse into the film’s setting: Kyoto during the 10th century, a period marked by both elegance and devastating epidemics. This new edition provides an updated look at the project, which has been in development since 2017, stoking anticipation for its eventual release.
A Hauntingly Beautiful Vision of 10th Century Kyoto
Contrasting Elegance with Epidemic Darkness
“The Mourning Children” paints a unique picture of the Heian period (794-1185), contrasting the era’s celebrated elegance with the grim realities of life in Kyoto a thousand years ago. The pilot video teases a world where:
- Thousands have died, their bodies filling gutters.
- Children are abandoned in the mountains.
- Wild dogs patrol the city’s outskirts.
This stark imagery sets the stage for a story that delves into the darker aspects of a period often romanticized in literature and art.
A Thousand-Year Journey into the Lives of Women
The film’s plot focuses on the lives of women during this tumultuous era, particularly Sei Shōnagon, the famed author of “The Pillow Book.” The narrative explores existential questions about death and the roles of women within the Heian period society.
The movie aims to challenge the textbook image of women during the Heian period who are typically depicted as:
- Dressed in glittering junihitoe (12-layered kimonos).
- Respectful of atmosphere.
- Composing waka poems.
- Living elegant lives.
- Playing kemari (a type of蹴鞠 game).
Katabuchi seeks to uncover a “newer and different view” of these women, embarking on a “thousand-year journey” to understand their experiences.
Production Details and Key Staff
Contrail and MAPPA: A Collaboration of Animation Powerhouses
“The Mourning Children” is being produced by Contrail, the animation studio founded by Sunao Katabuchi in 2019. MAPPA, known for its work on titles like “Attack on Titan Final Season,” is also involved in the production, with CEO Manabu Ohtsuka serving as Contrail’s representative director.
A Team of Acclaimed Anime Veterans
The film boasts a talented team of anime industry veterans:
- Director and Original Screenplay: Sunao Katabuchi (In This Corner of the World, Black Lagoon)
- Co-Director: Chie Uratani (Princess Arete, In This Corner of the World assistant director)
- Chief Animation Director: Masashi Andō (The Deer King, Princess Mononoke, Your Name.)
- Art Director: Yūji Kaneko (Ranking of Kings, Little Witch Academia, Kill la Kill). Yūji Kaneko has replaced Toshiharu Mizutani, who was previously credited as art director.
- Music: Akira Senju (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Mobile Suit Victory Gundam)
Sunao Katabuchi: A Master Storyteller
From Ghibli to “In This Corner of the World”
Sunao Katabuchi is a highly respected director, screenwriter, and storyboard artist with a career spanning several decades. He began his career at Telecom Animation Film and has worked with renowned studios such as:
- Mushi Production
- Studio 4°C
- Madhouse
- MAPPA
- Contrail
Notably, Katabuchi worked with Hayao Miyazaki at Studio Ghibli, serving as an assistant unit director on “Kiki’s Delivery Service” and training new Ghibli animators.
A Focus on Historical Accuracy and Human Stories
Katabuchi is known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to tell compelling human stories within historical contexts. His critically acclaimed film, “In This Corner of the World,” is a testament to this, depicting the lives of ordinary people in Hiroshima during World War II.
Anticipation Builds for “The Mourning Children”
A Project Years in the Making
Sunao Katabuchi began developing “The Mourning Children” in 2017, making it a long-awaited project for fans of his work. The film’s setting in 10th century Kyoto, combined with its exploration of profound themes and its impressive production team, has generated considerable buzz within the anime community.
No Release Date Yet, But the Pilot Offers Hope
As of March 2025, a specific release date for “The Mourning Children” has not been announced. However, the release of the new pilot video signals that the project is still in active development, offering fans a glimpse of what’s to come and fueling anticipation for its eventual premiere.
